Gateway to Inspiration Point Hike
2025-12-09 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Phoenix) | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
Gateway to Inspiration Point at Gateway Trailhead.
This Moderate hike has above average elevation gains and will be geared for those that do not frequently do elevation hikes. For this 6-mile hike with about 750 feet of elevation gain up to the Point, we plan on taking 2.5 to 3 hours with frequent stops and enjoying the view at the top.
Bathrooms and water are available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before the start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Brown's Ranch Homestead - Educational Hike
2025-12-10 09:00 - 11:30, 2026-01-10 09:00 - 11:30 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Brown’s Ranch Interpretative Trail Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
Before the Preserve was a reality, part of this land was a ranch, the historic Brown’s Ranch. Join us to explore this historical place, full of memories of a different way of life and hear the stories of the people who lived here not long ago. The hike is about 3.0-mile round trip on a comfortable trail with moderate elevations over about 2.5 hours.
Restrooms and water available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before the start of the hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Lifecycle of the Saguaro - Educational Walk
2025-12-11 09:00 - 11:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Lifecycle of the Saguaro Educational Walk at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
Native only to the Sonoran Desert, these giant cacti are a sight to see! Join us to follow the growth of a saguaro from seed to skeleton and view multi-armed, old Saguaros. This easy walk covers 0.5 miles in about 2 hours over easy paths.
Restrooms and water available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of walk.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Hunter/Gatherers - Educational Walk
2025-12-13 09:00 - 11:00 | Lost Dog Wash Trailhead, 12601 N. 124th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85259, United States
Hunters and Gatherers Educational Hike from Lost Dog Trailhead.
Join our expert Archaeologist as we explore the challenges of the Archaic hunter and gatherer to survive and thrive in the Sonoran Desert of 2,000 years ago. See important desert flora and fauna, hunting sites and their importance to the survival of an Archaic band. This Moderate hike covers 3 miles over about 2.5 hours with some elevation gain.
Restrooms and water available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Introduction To Mountain Biking: Session 2
2025-12-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Introduction to Mountain Biking: Session 2 at Pima Dynamite Trailhead.
This program is aimed at helping riders build confidence and control across beginner-level terrain, reinforcing foundational skills while introducing essential techniques for handling small obstacles, climbs, descents, and corners. By the end, riders are expected to demonstrate improved balance, control, and maneuverability, effectively apply braking, shifting, and body positioning across varied terrain, and show increased confidence when tackling obstacles and technical features. Emphasizing trail etiquette and safe group riding, the program aspires to boost participants’ sense of accomplishment and encourage their continued enthusiasm for riding.
A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks for the trail. Restrooms available at the trailhead. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Tom's Thumb Lookouts Hike
2025-12-13 09:00 - 12:30 | Tom’s Thumb Trailhead, 23015 N 128th St., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
Tom’s Thumb Lookouts Hike at Tom’s Thumb Trailhead.
This Very Difficult hike starts at the Tom Thumb Trailhead and travels 6.6 miles with a net elevation gain of around 1,600 feet over 3 to 3½ hours. We will initially head up the Tom’s Thumb Trail to the TT9 location and have a great view of the west and south valley. We will head back up the trail and take the Lookout trail ½ mile to the Lookout at 3,858 feet elevation and view the east valley. From there we will head up to Tom’s Thumb with its views in many directions. Due to the elevation gains, this hike is suggested for Experienced hikers.
Restrooms are available at the trailhead but no water. Bring plenty of water and snacks for the trail. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Desert Discovery Ride
2025-12-14 09:00 - 12:00 | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Desert Discovery Ride at Fraesfield Trailhead.
This intermediate ride gives access to the splendid sights behind Granite and Cholla Mountains – over 3 hours, we’ll take in four distinctly different, yet spectacular views of the Preserve, with accompanying variations in flora and fauna. At times, we’ll be stopping to talk about the history of the area, variations in the land, cacti and succulents you see, as well as other routes you could explore when you next venture out.
A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks. Restrooms available at the trailhead. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Axle Grease, West Express, Hawknest Trails Hike
2025-12-16 10:00 - 14:30 | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Axle Grease, West Express, Hawknest Hike at Pima Dynamite Trailhead.
This is a Very Difficult hike due to its 8.2 miles and 250 ft. elevation gain over about 4.5 hours and covers rolling terrain. Explore these impressive trails with nice saguaro views and granite formations. Experienced hikers suggested.
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before start of hike. Restrooms and water are available at the trailhead. Bring water, snacks and even a lunch for the trail. No dogs please.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Noteworthy & Notorious Arizonans - Educational Walk
2025-12-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Noteworthy and Notorious Arizonans Educational Hike at Fraesfield Trailhead.
Join a former City of Scottsdale archeologist for an easy hike of discovery and hear tales – some taller than others – of some of our lesser known Arizona heroes, heroines and villains. Not so notables include a woman prospector (The Miner’s Angel), Arizona Rangers, a lady bandit, a local ranch foreman, a woman freed from Mohave captivity, and a southwestern-modern architect (think City Hall). 3 miles over about 2.5 hours.
Restrooms are available at the trailhead but no water. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

A Meditation Walk
2025-12-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
A Meditation Walk at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
Step away from the day to day and discover inner peace as you immerse yourself in the beauty and power of the Sonoran Desert on a mindful ½ mile journey on the gentle and beautiful Jane Rau Trail.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to start of the walk. Restrooms and water at the trailhead. Please bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs, please.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

True Grit - Educational Walk
2025-12-20 09:00 - 11:00 | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
True Grit at Fraesfield Trailhead.
Join us on a leisurely one mile, two hour walk and we will talk about what life was like for women who settled in the McDowells in the 19th and early 20th centuries making their lives with the military, working the land, ranching and in the office.
Restrooms are available at the trailhead but no water. Please bring water and plan to arrive 15 minutes before the start of the walk. No dogs please.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Introduction to Mountain Biking: Session 3 - Graduation Ride
2025-12-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Introduction to Mountain Biking: Session 3 – Graduation Ride at Pima Dynamite Trailhead.
This 10 to 12-mile ride from Pima Dynamite is for people who have completed the Introduction to Mountain Biking Sessions 1 & 2. This is an instructional ride to practice the skills taught with instruction at various points on the ride.
A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks for the trail. Restrooms available at the trailhead. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Mistletoe and Holly - Educational Hike
2025-12-21 10:00 - 12:30 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Mistletoe and Holly Educational Hike at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
What do desert plants and animals have to do with the holidays? Join us on an easy hike and discover the hidden, festive desert connections. 3 miles over about 2.5 hours with minimal elevation gain.
Restrooms and water available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Cathedral Rock, Amphitheater, Cholla Mountain Hike
2025-12-21 10:00 - 13:30 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Cathedral Rock, Amphitheater, Cholla Loop Hike at Brown’s Ranch.
This Difficult hike will take us to several of the iconic granite formations in the preserve. 7.5 miles, 280 ft. elevation gain in about 3.5 hours. Experienced hikers suggested.
Restrooms and water available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Christmas Day Hike
2025-12-25 10:00 - 12:30 | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
Christmas Day Hike at Gateway Trailhead.
Embrace the spirit of the holiday on this picturesque hike on the Gateway Loop that will take you into the heart of the McDowells. This is a moderate hike of 4.5 miles in about 2.5 hours with significant elevation gain of 700 ft.
Restrooms and water available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Sonoran Desert 101 - Educational Walk
2025-12-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Sonoran Desert 101 at Fraesfield Trailhead.
This walk provides a geological and ecological overview of what lives in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and how the flora and fauna survive and thrive.
Restrooms and water are available at the trailhead. Please bring water and snacks for the trail. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before start of walk.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Ride to the Crested Saguaros and Lifecycle of Saguaros
2025-12-28 09:00 - 11:30 | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Ride to the Crested Saguaros and Lifecycle of the Saguaro (Int.) from Pima Dynamite Trailhead.
Ever noticed the Crested Saguaros in the preserve? Come ride with us to see a large number scattered throughout the north. This 2.5 hour ride will cover 10 miles and is rated Advanced Skill and Vigorous Cardio.
A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks. There are restrooms at the trailhead. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to start.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Hawknest, Basalt Ridge, Cone Mountain, Latigo Hike
2025-12-30 10:00 - 14:30 | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Hawknest, Basalt Ridge, Cone Mt., Latigo Trails at Pima Dynamite Trailhead.
This Very Difficult hike due to its elevation gain of 322 feet and 9.7 miles over about 4.5 hours covers some rolling hills for Experienced hikers. Explore these impressive trails with nice views and granite formations.
Restrooms and water available at the trailhead. Bring water, snacks and even a lunch for the trail. No dogs please. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Ride 20 Mile Training Ride
2026-01-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Ride 20 Mile Intermediate Training Ride from Pima Dynamite Trailhead.
This ride will focus on developing cardio fitness and technical biking skills. The ride is aimed at those preparing for a 30 mile perimeter ride in February and will cover trails in the NW and North Central sections of the Preserve. Participants should expect moderate cardio challenges and intermediate technical requirements, with objectives including skill improvement in obstacle navigation, downhill braking, uphill shifting, and proper body and pedal positioning.
A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks and even a lunch. There are restrooms and water at the trailhead. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Trailside Bike Repair Basics
2026-01-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Trailside Bike Repair Basics at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
This class provides a comprehensive guide to essential bike maintenance and repair techniques that can be performed on the trail. It covers a pre-ride checklist, the necessary tools for trailside repairs, such as tire levers, spare chain links, a chain breaker tool, and an air pump. Additionally, it offers step-by-step instructions for repairing chains and tires, both tubed and tubeless with hands on training.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Sonoran Desert 101 - Educational Walk
2026-01-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
Sonoran Desert 101 at Gateway Trailhead.
This walk provides a geological and ecological overview of what lives in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and how the flora and fauna survive and thrive.
Restrooms and water are available at the trailhead. Please bring water and snacks for the trail. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before start of walk.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Stagecoach, High Desert, and Divide Trails Hike
2026-01-03 10:00 - 14:00 | Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Stagecoach, High Desert, The Divide Trails at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead.
This Very Difficult hike goes to some of the north central trails of Stagecoach, High Desert, and The Divide. See several of the iconic granite formations in the preserve. This hike is very difficult because it is 8.5 miles in about 4 hours; the actual terrain is rolling; elevation gain is 250 ft. Experienced hikers suggested.
Bathrooms and water are available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Bird Walk
2026-01-04 08:00 - 10:00 | Tom’s Thumb Trailhead, 23015 N 128th St., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
Bird Walk at Tom’s Thumb Trailhead.
Join our bird experts on this 2-hour walk for a good chance to see some of our year-round bird residents such as: cactus wren, Gila woodpecker, ladder-backed woodpecker, Harris’s hawk, verdin or Say’s phoebe – as well as some seasonal arrivals.
Restrooms available at the trailhead, but no water. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Bring your binoculars. Arrive 15 minutes before start of walk.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Fraesfield North to Balanced Rock Hike
2026-01-05 10:00 - 13:30 | Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 East Rio Verde Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Fraesfield North to Balanced Rock Hike at Fraesfield Trailhead.
This Difficult hike has a moderate rocky uphill portion on the north side of Fraesfield Mountain, but the remainder of the hike covers relatively flat terrain. Experienced hikers suggested; elevation gain is 333 feet. Plan 3.5 hours for 8 miles.
Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike. Restrooms available at the trailhead but no water. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Poisonous Arthropods in the Preserve - Educational Walk
2026-01-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
Poisonous Arthropods in the Preserve at Gateway Trailhead.
Arthropods are the most diverse of all animals, comprising over 85 percent of all living animal species! A variety of arthropods in the Sonoran Desert use poisons for defense against predators or to kill or immobilize prey. Some of these animals are also venomous, like scorpions, but others produce poisonous chemicals, like blister beetles. Join us to learn how these amazing creatures thrive in our own backyard.
Restrooms and water are available at the trailhead. Bring snacks and water for the trail. No dogs please. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before start of the walk.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Introduction To Mountain Biking: Session 1
2026-01-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85262, United States
Introduction to Mountain Biking: Session 1 (Beg.) at Pima Dynamite Trailhead.
This program is designed to introduce participants to mountain biking by building foundational riding skills and confidence in a safe, supportive setting. It emphasizes the importance of proper bike setup, safety checks, and trail etiquette, while fostering an appreciation for outdoor activity and responsible trail use. Upon completion, participants are expected to demonstrate basic bike handling abilities, understand essential principles such as body position, balance, and braking, and apply correct procedures for mounting, dismounting, and stopping on varied terrain, alongside practicing essential safety and etiquette on the trails.
A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks for the trail. Restrooms available at the trailhead. Arrive 15 minutes before start of ride.
No electric assist bikes. To inquire about an accommodation from the City of Scottsdale, please call 480-312-4444.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Windgate Pass/Bell Pass Loop Hike
2026-01-10 09:00 - 13:30 | Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, United States
Windgate Pass/Bell Pass Loop from Gateway Trailhead.
Ready for a great workout? Then this Very Difficult hike in the heart of the southern McDowells is for you. We go to Windgate Pass and around to Bell Pass before returning to the trailhead. 9.3 miles for about 5 hours with over 2000 ft. of elevation gain.
Restrooms and water are available at the trailhead. Bring water, snacks and even a lunch for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike.
Space is limited! Please save your spot with the RSVP below.

Predators and Prey - Educational Walk
2026-01-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Lost Dog Wash Trailhead, 12601 N. 124th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85259, United States
Predators and Prey – Balancing the Ecosystem at Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
Join us for a fascinating two-hour leisurely walk exploring the dynamic relationship between predators and prey. Discover how desert animals like coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, raptors, and snakes have evolved to hunt, and how their prey—such as deer and rodents—have adapted to survive.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure. Restrooms and water at the trailhead. Please bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs, please.
Space is limited! Please Save your spot with the RSVP below.

Lecture - Linking Plants, Pollinators and You (at Mustang Library)
2026-01-10 14:30 - 16:00 | Scottsdale Public Library – Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85260, United States
Linking Plants, Pollinators and You
Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 2:30 pm to 4 pm
Location: Mustang Library, 10101 N 90th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
We will explore the dynamic and varied world of Sonoran Desert Pollinators who coexist with us in every season and landscape. These pollinators, while offering our desert great beauty, also serve an important role in keeping the Sonoran Desert healthy. We will discuss the birds and the bees and cover other desert pollinators including butterflies, beetles, flies, and bats. Importantly, you will learn what you can do to improve and sustain pollinator habitats at home with native plants and seeds.
Dr. John Weser is the Life Sciences Department Chair and Executive Director and cofounder of the Center for Native & Urban Wildlife at Scottsdale Community College (SCC). He received his Ph.D. in Biology from Arizona State University with an emphasis in Behavioral Ecology. Dr. Weser is involved in desert habitat restoration including enhancing pollinator habitats in natural and urban environments. He has partnered with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy since 1999 in a range of programs including restoration and bird and butterfly monitoring. Dr. Weser is also involved with the Southwest Monarch Study monarch tagging project along with studying SCC’s desert burrowing owls and native solitary bees.
RSVP below to let us know you are coming!
